THE five-day 5th Diwali Festival or Festival of Lights opens 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 8, at SM City Bacolod North Mall Atrium.
The opening rites, which will feature an exhibit called Glimpse of India and the Influence on Asean Countries, will be led by city officials and Punjabi Khalsa Diwan directors.
The festival from November 8 to 12, with the theme “Unity in Diversity” will also have activities at the Bacolod public plaza and Robinsons Place Bacolod, said festival coordinator Haresh Chugani.
Other events include yoga, ayurveda, and holistic healing sessions on November 9 at the SM City Bacolod.
On November 10, the grand Diwali Festival Ball will be held at the SMX Convention Center, where notable Indian and other personalities in Bacolod will be recognized.
The Diwali Ala MassKara will be held at the Bacolod public plaza on November 11. Also to be featured on Saturday are the turban tie competition, fireworks display, and live band concert.
On November 12, a Bollywood film showing will be held at Robinsons Place Bacolod.
Chugani said the City Government allocated P1.2 million for the five-day celebration.
“We invite everyone to come and join the Diwali Festival celebration with a lot of participations from the local talents and special groups in Manila,” he added.